GAP Analysis Predicted Distribution Map

Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia)

Species Code: MELME

Legend:
= Core Habitat
= Marginal Habitat

Breeding Range Map
The green area shows the predicted habitats for breeding only. The habitats were identified using 1991 satellite imagery, Breeding Bird Atlas (BBA), other datasets and experts throughout the state, as part of the Washington Gap Analysis Project. Habitats used during non-breeding months and migratory rest-stops were not mapped.

Metadata (Data about data or how the map was made)

Click to enlarge distribution map

Other maps & Information:

Breeding Bird Atlas
NatureMapping observations
during breeding season
NatureMapping observations
throughout the year

This species is abundant and widespread throughout the state in areas with shrubby growth. Apparently it is only absent from subalpine forests and alpine parkland, old-growth forests, shrub-steppe, and non-irrigated agriculture in the Coumbia Basin. Throughout the state, the Song Sparrow is easily found breeding in cities, wetlands, clearcuts and most farmed areas.

Core zones were all those below Mountain Hemlock (west side) and Subalpine Fir (east side). Mountain Hemlock and Subalpine Fir were peripheral. All habitats were good except bare ground, sparse vegetation, estuarine (the lower course of river where its current is met by the tides) mud flats, dryland agriculture in steppe zones, steppe types in steppe zones,and mid-to late-seral conifer forests zones, in the wetter west-side zones (all excluded); and high-density development (adequate).

Washington breeders represent three subspecies: M. m. merrilli in most of eastern Washington, M. m. fisherella in south-central Washington, and M. m. morphna in western Washington. Like the Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrows exhibit tremendous variability across North America, perhaps representing more than one species. Whether or not there are truly that many genetically distinct subspecies is unclear. The Song Sparrow is one of WashingtonÕs most common birds, reliably found in almost any shrubby habits at lower and middle elevations (generally below 4000 feet), except for arid shrub-steppe. In the Columbia Basin, Song Sparrows are limited to wetlands and urban areas.

Translated from the Washington Gap Analysis Bird Volume by Uchenna Bright
Text edited by Gussie Litwer
Webpage designed by Dave Lester